Trump administration eases Iran travel rules midway through World Cup group stage

The US Department of Homeland Security has amended its travel restrictions for Iran’s World Cup squad ahead of their Group D fixture against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, granting the team an extra day of preparation time on American soil after weeks of diplomatic friction.

Iran had been operating under some of the most restrictive conditions of any nation at the 2026 World Cup. After their original base camp in Arizona was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, in late May, the squad was permitted to cross the border only 24 hours before kick-off and was required to depart shortly after the final whistle. The arrangement prompted Iran to plan a formal complaint to FIFA, citing inequitable treatment compared to other participating nations.

Under the revised terms, Iran will now be allowed to enter the United States two days before Friday’s match — a concession confirmed by a DHS spokesperson to NBC News. The team will still be required to return to Tijuana on the evening of the game.

“Ahead of the match in Seattle on June 26, the Iranian team will be allowed to come in match day minus two, so two days before the match,” the DHS spokesperson said. “They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. The President wants to make sure that we’re talking about what actually happens on the pitch. A lot of that is making sure that things are safe and secure, not just around the stadiums, but around base camps and training sites.”

Andrew Giuliani, appointed by President Trump as head of the White House FIFA Task Force, had previously indicated that Iran’s travel policy could be subject to review. Despite Iran requesting amendments before each of their opening two fixtures, both requests were refused. The DHS had also maintained publicly that Iran had accepted the original conditions, a claim the national side disputed.

Iran have managed to collect back-to-back draws in the group stage despite the logistical disruption, though players and staff have voiced frustration at being forced to acclimatise to new venues within hours of kick-off. The additional travel burden and rigid departure protocols have placed visible strain on the squad throughout the tournament.

Friday’s match against Egypt in Seattle could prove decisive for Iran’s hopes of advancing from the group stage, making the extra preparation day a potentially significant development both on and off the pitch.